Hungry Heroes set to expand with seating area

Published: Thursday, February 20, 2014 at 10:01 a.m.

Last Modified: Thursday, February 20, 2014 at 10:01 a.m.

Next month, area pizza aficionados will have a chance to sit down and enjoy a slice from a pair of dough tossers that share about 60 years of combined experience.

Pat Funigiello, owner of Hungry Heroes at 8024 Market St., said the standing-room only establishment near Porters Neck is about to expand – the walk-up counter will be pushed back 10 feet, a bathroom will be added and 24 seats placed in the newly created dining room.

"People would look inside, take a peek and go to the Mexican place down the road because there's nowhere to sit," he said.

The idea to grow was spurred on by his own visit to a different nearby restaurant. New Hanover County codes require food establishments to provide facilities for eat-in diners. But it's not widely known that a single, unisex restroom is permissible – a boon to proprietors with limited square footage.

Joining the team will be longtime cook Jerry Xicali, who spent a decade at Brooklyn Pizza. Funigiello said the two would develop new recipes for the updated restaurant, which should be completed by mid-March.

Hungry Heroes has developed a loyal following thanks in no small part to Funigiello's mastery of the New York-style Italian loaf of bread. The seasoned baker produces all of the eatery's signature white loaves in house, adding whole wheat bread on Wednesdays and rye on Fridays.

Funigiello said he's already begun expanding the business' hours – normally 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday – and started staying open until 7 p.m. on Thursdays and 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.

For updates, visit the restaurant's Facebook page or website at http://MyHungryHeroes.com.

<p>Next month, area pizza aficionados will have a chance to sit down and enjoy a slice from a pair of dough tossers that share about 60 years of combined experience.</p><p>Pat Funigiello, owner of Hungry Heroes at 8024 Market St., said the standing-room only establishment near Porters Neck is about to expand – the walk-up counter will be pushed back 10 feet, a bathroom will be added and 24 seats placed in the newly created dining room.</p><p>"People would look inside, take a peek and go to the Mexican place down the road because there's nowhere to sit," he said.</p><p>The idea to grow was spurred on by his own visit to a different nearby restaurant. New Hanover County codes require food establishments to provide facilities for eat-in diners. But it's not widely known that a single, unisex restroom is permissible – a boon to proprietors with limited square footage.</p><p>Joining the team will be longtime cook Jerry Xicali, who spent a decade at Brooklyn Pizza. Funigiello said the two would develop new recipes for the updated restaurant, which should be completed by mid-March.</p><p>Hungry Heroes has developed a loyal following thanks in no small part to Funigiello's mastery of the New York-style Italian loaf of bread. The seasoned baker produces all of the eatery's signature white loaves in house, adding whole wheat bread on Wednesdays and rye on Fridays.</p><p>Funigiello said he's already begun expanding the business' hours – normally 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday – and started staying open until 7 p.m. on Thursdays and 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.</p><p>For updates, visit the restaurant's <a href="http://www.starnewsonline.com/facebook"><b>Facebook</b></a> page or website at http://MyHungryHeroes.com.</p><p><a href="http://www.starnewsonline.com/section/topic9919"><b>Paul Stephen</b></a>: 343-2041</p><p>On <a href="http://www.starnewsonline.com/section/news41"><b>Twitter</b></a>: @pauljstephen</p>